To remember the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, NIAF is recognizing Italian Americans who sacrificed, served and defended peace, freedom and democracy during the war. This entry is a special submission from NIAF Member Ron Tipa in honor of his father.
John F. Tipa was the son of Sicilian immigrants. His parents, Giuseppe and Vincenza Tipa, emigrated from Piazza San Lorenza, Palermo, Italy to New York City where they settled in Little Italy, The Bronx, in 1910.
Tipa was ordered to active duty with his unit, 212th Coast Artillery New York Army National Guard headquartered in Manhattan, N.Y.
During his five years on active duty he was sent to Washington, D.C, Fort Stewart, Ga., and Seattle, Wash., before being sent to the Pacific where his unit participated in the Battle of Saipan.
He attained the rank of first sergeant before returning home.
If you’d like to make a submission to NIAF’s #IAWW2Heroes initiative, email the photo and description to media@niaf.org.
